Platini defends Mbappé on his political views: “It's a good thing when intelligent people can express their views”
Michel Platini defended Kylian Mbappé over his political views, emphasizing his development as a player and his right to freedom of expression outside the French team.
Kylian Mbappé always attracts public attention. Not only because of his performances on the field, but also because of his statements and opinions off the field, this has made him the focus of many debates. In this context, in a conversation with RTL France, Michel Platini, former UEFA president and famous former player of the French team, analyzed Mbappé's season at Paris Saint-Germain and the political views he has expressed over the years.
"I think Kylian is doing very well and has developed in his game. He has transformed from a player who did not have many chances to score to a real goalscorer. Furthermore, he has been the top scorer in Spain two years in a row," Platini emphasized.
However, it's not all praise for Mbappé. Platini also criticized some of his political statements that have made him a subject of discussion: "We are very strict with him, but we are stricter with his public opinions than with his sporting achievements."
"I have no problem with him expressing his political views when not representing the French team. Off the field, whether at Paris Saint-Germain or elsewhere, he has the right to freedom of expression. However, when wearing the armband of the French team, his image represents all French people," Platini admitted.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Mbappé emphasized his concerns about the far-right party's ability to win the elections. However, the former UEFA president referred to Mbappé's statements during Euro 2024, when he said he was at "a pivotal moment for our country's history." That was the moment when Platini showed his criticism, sending a clear message to Mbappé every time he played for the "Les Bleus" team: "The first time I agreed, but the second time I did not, although he has the right to express his opinion. Anyway, I find it great that smart people participate and have opinions in social issues. In the end, it proves that players are not necessarily stupid; in fact, some people are quite intelligent. Minh."
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